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This wikiHow teaches you how to set up your Apple device to send and receive iMessages. This will allow you to send and receive messages to other iPhone, iPad, and Mac users using WiFi instead of cellular data. Additionally, you can sync iMessages on iCloud.

Slide the white iMessages slider to the “on” position. The slider will turn green, indicating that iMessages are now enabled. Your device will now be able to send and receive messages without using cellular data when connected to a wireless network. If you are using an iPhone, you can still send text messages without a wireless network by using your normal cellular data.

If you are prompted to sign into your Apple ID, simply input your username and password into the pop up. The device will verify your login information and then activate iMessages if successful. If you don’t have an Apple ID, see this guide for detailed instructions on creating one.

iMessages may take up to 24 hours to activate because Apple needs to verify that the phone number and Apple ID match. Activation usually happens within an hour.[1]XResearch source

Tap on an email or phone number to enable. A check mark will appear next to the account. This will allow the email or number to send/receive messages using the iMessage service.

In the You can be reached by iMessage at: section, you can add, remove, and select email addresses to receive iMessages. On an iPhone, you can also add or remove the phone’s number to or from this list. Other devices will only display this phone number in the list once it has been enabled from the iPhone.[2]XResearch source

In the Start new conversations from: section, you can select one address others will see when you send an iMessage to them. On an iPhone, you can also add or remove the phone’s number to or from this list. Other devices will only display this phone number in is list once it has been enabled from the iPhone.[3]XResearch source

Why do I still see "iMessage is waiting for activation" when I try to send a message?

Community Answer

You might have missed a step. Make sure you are logged into iCloud and iMessage is set to ON. If you have done this and it still doesn't work, call Apple Support as you might have an issue with your phone or number.

If the message is green on your screen, it means you are either talking to someone with an Android device, or the message was not sent using WiFi. If it is blue, it means the message was sent with WiFi/mobile data to another iPhone.

Tips

If you have issues, make sure your device is up to date. You can check for updates in the General section of the Settings app.[5]XResearch source See this guide for more details on updating your iOS software.

References

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This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Together, they cited information from 5 references. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article meets our high standards.